Driver's Items

1. Driver Daily Checklist
2. Vehicle Operation

Driver Daily Checklist

Pre-Trip daily checklist

Before starting the electric vehicle, check the following conditions:

• Remove the charging cord from the vehicle charge port and return the handle to the charging station 
• Close charge port door on vehicle
• Walk around the vehicle to make a visual inspection to ensure that tires are inflated, doors are properly closed, there is no unexpected damage, and the vehicle is clear of people and obstructions
• Make sure the wheelchair (if equipped) is properly stowed
• Adjust the seats and mirrors
• Fasten your seatbelt
• Engage the parking brake 
• Report any charger issues (including physical damage) to the shop. Be sure to tell them the time, date, bus number and charger ID the issue occurred with 
• Report any bus physical damage to the shop 

Post-Trip daily checklist

• On the bus, turn the temperature and setting dials to the blue zone 
• Make sure the vehicle comes to a complete stop
• Put the vehicle in the Park position by pressing the “P” on PRNDL controls. Wait until the P button is illuminated
• Engage the parking brake
• Turn the key to the “Off” position and remove the key from the ignition
• If the vehicle has shut down properly, the cluster screen will be turned off in a few seconds
• Report any charger issues (including physical damage) to the shop. Be sure to tell them the time, date, bus number and charger ID the issue occurred with 
• Report any bus physical damage to the shop

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Vehicle Operation

To start the bus, do the following:

• Ensure the vehicle is in the park position
• Put the key in the ignition 
• Press the brake pedal, turn the key to the “ACC” position then to the “Start” position
• Wait for the Message Center screen to turn on and display vehicle status
• If the vehicle has started properly, the Message Center will display “Ready to Drive”
• You may hear noise when the vehicle is starting. This is caused by the hydraulic pump and is normal
• Hold the brake pedal down while shifting into Reverse, Neutral or Drive using the PRNDL controls on the vehicle dashboard

Important driving guidelines 

• Although allowing the bus to coast and progressively slow down during a stop regenerates electricity into the batteries, using the brake pedal during stops should NEVER be discouraged 
• DO NOT accelerate and decelerate often in an attempt to “regenerate” more power into the batteries. Smooth operation during acceleration and deceleration provides the highest driving efficiency
• When at 100% SOC, regenerative braking will be limited to prevent overcharge of the batteries
• Full throttle at 50% SOC has a slight torque decrease from full throttle at 100% SOC
• Driving in Reverse – Limited to 8 mph and decreased torque. (requires more throttle travel / input to move in reverse͘)
• Turn the temperature dial from red to blue zone when heaters are not in use. The red zone activates HV coolant heaters regardless of heater blower activation. This practice will help gain the full mileage potential of the HV batteries
• If “Low Voltage” appears in the Instrument Panel Message Center, all auxiliary components should be shut down immediately, including all heaters, AC, and body fans. The bus should be moved to a safe location off of the road to park until the message clears, or proper troubleshooting is completed
  
  

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